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What is the difference between "trap" and "entrap" (both verbs)? I looked at the definitions, and the minor denotation is that "entrap" means to catch in something, like a *trap (*note this is the noun version of the word), whereas "trap" is just simply to catch. It seems to me that whenever "entrap" is used that "trap" could also be used, and vice versa. Perhaps if someone is metaphorically trapped, like in a bad situation, she could not be entrapped because that would require a physical trap? But one could also be caught in a metaphorical entrapment too, I think.
The two words are very similar in meaning, and in some cases could probably be interchanged. But my first impression was that "trap" involves physical confinement (as in the case of a trapped animal), whereas "entrap" is a more metaphorical act (as in the case of a criminal being entrapped by the police). So I did a search for "trap vs. entrap: and found this, which pretty much confirmed my take.
I would take exception to the discussion you cite. Entrapment isn't just something police do.
If there is a trap device, one is trapped. If one is caught in a box canyon, surrounded by your wife and her friends, or your legs are caught in the seaweed, you are entrapped. Been thinking abouit this all day, and I don't think there is a bright line rule, but this is pretty good first approximation.
One other distinction is that trap may be used transitively or intransitively, whereas entrap is only transitive. This is a common pattern of prefixed versus nonprefixed verb pairs. Because of the strongly transitive nature of entrap, I feel a strong pull toward a nuance of "intelligent design" or intention or relationship. Entrap hints at the more personal, more malevolent, more premeditated intent.
Of course, the literal hunting meaning, albeit strong with intention, would be exclusively trapped. I might say, while fully intentional and premeditated, in this classic meaning, it lacks malevolence and personal qualities.
So I might differ with deaconB's opinion: to me being entrapped by seaweed sounds a bit off to me, since the seaweed lacks intention. With the spousal posse, spot on.
So I would avoid entrapped where intention is absent, but either verb works when intention is present, with a darker side to entrapped:
He was trapped by his past decisions. (not entrapped)
He was entrapped by street beggars (or ravening wolves). (trapped would work here, too, but feels less intentional to me.)
He was trapped by the rising water. (not entrapped).
While playing tether ball, I accidentally trapped my buddy with the tether. (not entrapped).
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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